Who’s on First , 1945
Source: Photo still from the 1945 Abbott & Costello movie the “Naughty Nineties”
Photo Subject: Bud Abbot and Lou Costello performing their classic skit “Who’s on First” in the movie the “Naughty Nineties”. This is the skit version that is played at Cooperstown.
Fun Fact: One of the most famous dialogues involving baseball begins:
Costello: I love baseball.
Abbott: We all love baseball.
Costello: When we get to St. Louis, will you tell me the guys' names on the team, so when I go to see them in that St. Louis ballpark, I'll be able to know those fellas?
Abbott: Well, now, is that all right, folks? All right...as long as it's OK with the audience...Now look, then you'll go and peddle your popcorn and don't interrupt the act anymore?...But you know, strange as it may seem, they give ball players now-a-days very peculiar names.
Costello: Funny names?
Abbott: Nicknames. Pet names.
In case you are curious, the roster for the St. Louis Wolves is: First Base, Who; Second Base, What; Third Base, I Don't Know; Left field, Why; Center field, Because; Pitcher, Tomorrow; Catcher, Today; and Shortstop, I Don't Give a Darn. The Right fielder is never named
Painting Detail: Printed on 13” x 19” canvas and painted using Schmincke Mussini and Marshall’s oil paints. Finer details were made using Prismacolor pencils.